Simi Thilakan

• Established and built the design team from the ground up, focusing on talent acquisition, team structuring, mentoring, and performance management.
• Developed and implemented comprehensive collection development workflows, leading to significant improvements in project visibility, planning accuracy, and execution efficiency.
• Spearheaded the seasonal collection strategy and buyer presentations, which contributed to business growth and enhanced customer acquisition.
• Led sourcing initiatives in India and other international markets through supplier development, mill visits, and participation in trade fairs.
• Directed trend forecasting, product innovation, and collection planning to create commercially successful and market-relevant assortments.
• Managed cross-functional collaboration between design, merchandising, and sourcing teams to ensure a seamless product development process.

-Manage & collaborate on projects with the Design & PD team
-Reporting project performance to the Creative Director
-Timely delivery of product presentations and buyer requirements
-Ensuring multi-disciplinary team functioning & team building tasks
-Attending, hosting, and coordinating with Inter -dept & Buyer meetings
-Reviewing & providing technical inputs, regular Kaizens & Product Planning

-Womenswear / Menswear /Kidswear seasonal design and development
for brands like H&M, Target, Pull&Bear, Zara, Aritzia
Category : Tops / Light weight bottoms / Dresses / Skirts / Joggers
-Understanding brand philosophy-target market -upcoming fashion trends.
-Collective range planning-sketching-selection of fabrics , trims & embellishments- working closely with pattern makers, sampling line and
washing units throughout all stages of style creation.

Menswear division - Retail Brand, India
Initiating the denim and non-denim division with seasonal product category : Shirts/Trousers/Denim/Shorts/Joggers.
Market research-Trend research/Analysis-Design Development-Tech Pcks-Trade Shows-Feedback reviews.

Joined the organisation as a Graduate trainee and later on was positioned as junior designer reporting to the manager who has extremely motivated and contributed to develop my skills and grow professionally in the organisation. Have handled Womenswear / Menswear / Kidswear seasonal design and development of US and UK buyers like Benetton , Tommy Hilfiger , M&S etc.
Understanding brand philosophy-target market -upcoming fashion trends.
Collective range planning-sketching-selection of fabrics , trims and embellishments- working closely with pattern makers, sampling line and washing units throughout all stages of style creation. Organizing and merchandising showroom to the buyers with inspiration, key concepts, color theory and innovations for the current seasonal presentation supporting with thematic visual display.